Eloise Johnson was born in Orange Hill, St. James, and educated at St. Silas School.
On leaving school, Eloise’s working career as a plantation labourer began at Plum Tree Plantation. She also worked as a labourer at Blowers, Westmoreland, and Lancaster Plantations, St. James until retirement.
Additionally, Mrs. Johnson also managed two plantations at Porters and Westmoreland, St. James, raised livestock and grew cash crops to supplement her income.
Married to Stanley Johnson, now deceased, the couple had three children, one of whom is deceased. She also had three children from a previous relationship. Altogether, Eloise had 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grands and 15 great-great-grands.
Eloise was a regular worshipper at Bethel Pentecostal, and was very involved in church activities. In fact, when the church was under construction, she was always present to help with moving the blocks and cleaning up after a work day at the church.
She also assisted with fundraising efforts for the church’s building fund at various locations.
Her daughter, Vivian Skeete, described her as very special. “She raised us on her own and was a very good mother. She was very hard working and we had to help her work on the plantations tying and loading canes to waiting trailers.”
Eloise’s hearing is still intact, but she has dementia.
